Convicting Encouragement

This is a note that a family friend sent my mom about another family that I grew up with. It's an amazing story about a man with a desire for everyone he meets to know the Lord...

Not to bring you down more but I have to let you know that Rich died 11/4/06. We attended a lovely memorial service 11/11, at Golden Hills Church with about 600 people. Rich's heart was always for evangelism and missions. There was no doubt to anyone who met him because he made it very clear that evangelism was all that he was doing... bringing people to Christ and loving them as Christ loves. Because he had time to plan, the whole service was orchestrated by him. He recorded a video greeting asking the congregation to listen carefully to the speakers because he told them what to say, what verses, songs, and that he trusted them fully. There was a live worship band, 2 evangelism msgs, and a full alter call with several responses.

Kathy (wife) was very up at the service and Cameron (son) did an awesome speech. She expressed gratitude that Rich was really only sick, sick for the last 3 weeks. It was reported that Rich had himself carried to his sister's hospital room (she is dying of breast cancer) 2 weeks before and led her to the Lord. Then on 10/16, he led one of his friends teen age daughter to the Lord and she wanted Rich to baptize her. They showed that video, too. You could sense his uncertainty with the process while being blind along with his emotions when he expressed regret that it would be the last time he baptized in this life.

There were lots of people that we new from the various churches around and Psalm 100. It was a very sweet and poignant day. I told Dan that it made me wonder if everyone I know realizes that I am a committed Christian. It also spurred me to want to spend my time and efforts on my own calling from God.